What Colombian Expats Need to Know
As a Colombian, you’re accustomed to excellent, easily accessible healthcare. The World Health Organization ranks Colombia’s public health care system as the 22nd most efficient out of 191 countries. But if you’re going abroad, you may find that not all countries offer the same standard of care.
Colombia doesn’t have any reciprocal healthcare agreements with other countries. Therefore, if you require medical assistance abroad, the Entidades Promotoras de Salud (EPS) public health insurance won’t cover your fees. If you have a private plan, it might cover you for 90 days, but there may be limitations.
You want to be able to receive high-quality medical care, regardless of where you choose to live. To ensure you’re covered and won’t receive any unexpected healthcare bills, you’ll want to purchase specific health insurance for Colombian expats. Knowing you’re protected will give you peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your time living abroad.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Medical Insurance for Colombians Abroad
Health insurance plans can vary greatly depending on where you’re from, where you’re going, how long you’ll be there, and what kind of benefits you want. For instance, if you’re moving to the United States, you’ll probably need a different plan than if you’re going to Spain. It’s essential to consider all the options to ensure you’re selecting the right plan for your needs.
Best Health Insurance Plans for Colombians Abroad
Cigna Global Medical Insurance serves foreigners living abroad in more than 200 countries. They offer three levels of coverage, and each plan can be adjusted to suit your needs. Cigna’s plans cover a wide range of medical needs, including hospital stays and mental health care.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
IMG Global Medical Insurance is a great choice for those living and working abroad. Though it may cost a bit more than some other options, IMG provides extremely comprehensive plans. They come with plenty of opportunities for customization. Plus, their plans cover vaccinations and preventative care, so you’re protected before you travel.
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Affordable global coverage with flexible options
- Coverage area options based on where you live or work
- Visit any doctor or hospital worldwide
Best Health Insurance Plan for Colombians in the US
The type of health insurance you’ll need outside of Colombia will heavily depend on your destination. In the United States, healthcare costs are significantly more expensive than what you’re used to seeing in Colombia.
Without insurance, a visit to a physician’s office typically costs $100-$200 USD. If you need emergency care from a hospital, your bill could quickly add up to more than $6,000 USD. We recommend carrying private Colombian expat health insurance when visiting the United States.
The BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier plan will offer you peace of mind when traveling through the United States. These plans are specifically designed for non-U.S. residents moving to the United States. The plans guarantee no waiting periods, no deductibles for certain services, and access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield network through the Premier plan.
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Why Colombian Expats Need International Health Insurance
Colombia doesn’t have any reciprocal healthcare agreements with other countries. This means the EPS public health insurance plan only provides coverage within Colombia. If you need healthcare while abroad, you will be expected to pay for any services out of pocket. Medical insurance for Colombian citizens living abroad is crucial to avoid unexpected bills.
In Colombia, it’s relatively easy to enroll in the public system. However, in other places, it may not be so straightforward. Not all countries have universal healthcare, and even if they do, there may be rules or waiting times to access it. Also, think about what your insurance covers. While EPS in Colombia covers lab tests, specialist visits, and more, other countries may not offer such comprehensive coverage.
Without insurance, you might face expensive medical bills and long waits to see a doctor. Plus, you might struggle to find someone who speaks your native language. But with global health insurance, shorter wait times and language services are the norm. You can also access top private hospitals and the high-quality care you’re used to.
What To Look For in Colombian Expat Health Insurance
When selecting your health insurance plan, you’ll want one that offers the same excellent care you’re accustomed to receiving in Colombia. Luckily, most plans can be customized to suit your budget and needs. You should consider the types of benefits you want, the length of your plan, and any deductibles or copays.
We can provide you with quotes from various insurers, which you can review side by side to find the one that best suits your needs. Simply choosing the provider offering the lowest rates is fine, but keep in mind that you may need to pay more out-of-pocket if something goes wrong. You’ll want to carefully select a plan that will cover your specific international healthcare needs.
How to Access Healthcare Overseas
Before moving abroad, you’ll want to research the healthcare systems of your destination. You should know if the country uses a public system, a private system, or a mixed system. If there is a public scheme, you’ll want to know what sort of treatments and care are included.
Most countries with public schemes will require you to register with the relevant authorities. There are often wait times or eligibility requirements you need to meet. In some countries, once you have proof of paying taxes, you’re eligible for coverage. In others, you might need to wait over a year to meet the requirements.
You’ll also want to consider language barriers. As a native Spanish speaker, you have the option to visit 20 other countries in the world without worrying about language barriers. But what about countries where nobody speaks Spanish? Many global health plans include 24/7 helplines. These include translation services to ensure there is no confusion over a medical concern.
Government Recommendations for Colombian Citizens Abroad
The Colombian Government provides several services to enhance the quality of life for Colombians and their families living abroad. Some highlights include:
- The Colombian Security Abroad Program enables Colombians residing abroad to contribute to the national pension system. This is a great way to save for retirement if you’re not eligible for plans in your adopted country.
- Virtual Training Video Conferences are organized with different groups to keep Colombians abroad competitive in various markets, both personally and professionally.
- Loans and scholarship programs are available to support studies outside of Colombia, as well as institutes to accredit any degrees or programs completed abroad.
Healthcare Options for Colombian Expats When Visiting Home
In Colombia, you use your identification (cédula) number to access the public healthcare system. This document is mandatory for all citizens aged 18 and above. Likewise, your cédula must be valid if you need consular assistance while outside the country. As long as your cédula is not expired, you’ll be able to access the public system when you return home.
However, if you prefer the private system, you’ll need to check if your health insurance for Colombian citizens living abroad is accepted. This will depend on the type of plan you purchased.
If you are living in a single destination outside the country, you may consider the Cigna Close Care plan to meet your insurance needs. This plan offers coverage in both your home country as well as one other country. This means you’ll be able to access top-notch private healthcare services in your destination country as well as during short trips back to Colombia.
Travel Medical Insurance for Colombians Visiting Home
You may want to consider carrying insurance that doesn’t cover you in Colombia. You might also consider letting your home coverage lapse since you’re not spending much time there. If this is the case, you’ll want to secure travel medical insurance for short trips home.
Patriot Platinum Travel Insurance
- Maximum limits up to $8,000,000
- IMG pays 100% of medical expenses in-network
- Evacuation due to Natural Disasters & Political Unrest
Considerations for Colombian Expats
Why should Colombian citizens get health insurance while abroad?
Not every country offers the same easily accessible and high-quality care that Colombia provides to its citizens. Depending on your destination, healthcare might be expensive or the hospitals overcrowded. Treatment may not be available in your language. That’s why it’s really important for Colombian citizens living abroad to have health insurance. It makes sure you’re covered and supported while you’re away.
What are the best health insurance plans for Colombian expats abroad?
Cigna, IMG, and BCBS Global Solutions are some of the best plans for Colombian expats abroad. These plans offer comprehensive and customizable plans.
Healthcare Coverage and Peace of Mind
Having health insurance is crucial for Colombian expats living abroad. While Colombia boasts excellent healthcare, not all countries offer the same level of care or accessibility. Without insurance, you might run into language barriers, have long waits to see a doctor, or end up with expensive medical bills.
Obtaining global health insurance tailored for Colombian expats means you’ll have access to high-quality care, shorter wait times, and support in your native language. A global medical plan can offer you peace of mind while you’re away from Colombia. Make sure you’re covered so you can focus on enjoying your time abroad without worrying about your health.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Elizabeth Baugh is a versatile freelance writer specializing in education, travel, health, and wellness. She has international experience living in multiple countries, is fluent in Spanish, and holds a license as a TEFL teacher, sharing insights on travel and relocation.
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